Surfers Paradise Local Customs

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The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships are held at Surfers Paradise every year in February. This year [2013], was only the second year of them being held. Unfortunately, terrible wild windy and wet weather was experienced, so when I went to see them, so of them had crumbled, what a shame.

2013 was known as 'SAND SAFARI," SO THE SCULPTURES WERE OF AFRICAN ANIMALS.
The professional sculptors and one wildcard entrant took to carving 180 tonnes of sand into these forms. The public could vote for their favorite sculpture, by placing a $1 coin in a box, THEN the peoples choice is announced on the last day.
Already, the judges had chosen their best, so we saw who had come 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

For the public, you can learn sand art and do a bottle making workshop, prices started from $5.

I was very impressed even though you could see all had been rain damaged.
I will be going again next year!

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Surfers Paradise has some lovely young ladies dressed in a golden Bikini who are known as 'METER MAIDS"
You may or may not come across them! They have been around [not the same girls] for 49years and you wouldn't believe what their job has been all that time.

THERE JOB IS FEEDING THE PARKING METER WITH COINS SO THE TOURIST DOESN'T RECEIVE A FINE FOR OVERSTAYING THEIR STAY!

They are an Icon on the Gold coast, and so is there gold Bikini.
The Surfers Paradise Meter Maids were introduced in 1965 to help beat the bad image created by the installation of parking meters on the tourist strip in December 1964. Back then, it was a controversial promotion, but one that worked very well. They soon were known worldwide!
They no longer wear a tiara, instead, not a so brief Bikini and an Aussie Akubra hat to prevent them from sunburn.

They are helpful and friendly, so if you see them wandering around, feel free to ask them a question about the Gold Coast. They gave me a little booklet of which the second photo is of.
I see they now sell merchandise including Calendars, Wall posters, Drink Coasters & coolers, Bar Runners and Mouse Pads.

If you want to take a photo of them, it was cost you $5. This helps pay for them to do their job.

The glamorous Meter Maids are a Surfers Paradise icon and have been around since 1965. They walk around saving forgetful motorists from parking fines and they enjoy stopping for photos.

The pace of life in Noosa Heads, and Queensland in general is relaxing and fun. This makes it an ideal place for a holiday and getaway from busy city life.